Auburn’s Immunization Clinic is ready to go. Photo courtesy Katie Combs, County of Placer Health and Human Services.

AUBURN, CA (MPG) – Placer County Public Health is offering free immunization clinics for children who may have difficultly accessing vaccines needed to attend school.

“Out back-to-school vaccine clinics continue to provide opportunities for families on Medi-Cal or without insurance to obtain the vaccines their children need to avoid vaccine-preventable diseases and attend school,” said Michael Romero, director of Public Health.

Last school year, Public Health provided 1,508 routine childhood vaccinations to 555 children across the county, partnering with several local nonprofit organizations on outreach.

Although families are encouraged to visit their regular healthcare provider whenever feasible, these clinics are intended to meet the needs of families who are without health insurance or have Medi-Cal insurance but experience is difficulty accessing their child’s health care provider.

Under state law, all children must be immunized in order to attend school, preschool or to attend a childcare center unless they have a medical exemption provided by their doctor. Learn about required vaccines and their ingredients at www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/School/shotsforschool.aspx.

Placer County’s Public Health division is offering the free immunizations through the Vaccines for Children Program. Vaccinations avoid or greatly reduce the chance of children becoming seriously ill from several diseases, including meningitis, polio, measles, chicken pox and whooping cough. Learn if your child is recommended for the Vaccines for Children Program at www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/vfc-information-for-parents.

Clinics in August and September will be offered to both Auburn and Roseville residents. To schedule, parents or guardians should contact 530-886-1883 or email [email protected].

Visit Placer County’s immunization program website to learn more about requirements, recommended immunization schedules and other community resources at www.placer.ca.gov/immunizationprogram.